BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – St. Kitts and Nevis is hosting a two-day workshop examining the United Nations human rights system, including national mechanisms for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, as well as the obligations of States under the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT).
Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, told the opening ceremony that the twin island Federation’s accession to UNCAT is a continuing responsibility.
“Ratification is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in translating international commitments into effective national practices that safeguard individuals and enhance institutional resilience.
“Gatherings such as this allow us to build capacity, share experiences, and put in place the practical measures that move us closer to fulfilling the promises of UNCAT,” Wilkin said, stressing also the importance of regional solidarity in advancing human rights.
“This is not a journey that Saint Kitts and Nevis undertakes alone. The OECS as a family of States has long demonstrated its commitment to human rights protection. By pooling expertise, strengthening peer-to-peer networks, and amplifying our regional voice, we can collectively address common challenges and reinforce the rule of law across the Eastern Caribbean,” the Attorney General added.
Following the two-day workshop, the week of activities continues on September 11–12 with police investigators participating in specialised training on investigative interviewing and the use of force.
The sessions will emphasize necessity, proportionality, and accountability, and aim to equip law enforcement officers with practical skills to strengthen professional standards in policing.
These engagements form part of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ broader justice reform agenda and its commitment to working with OECS partners and international bodies.
The sessions have been organized by the Attorney General’s Office and Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, in collaboration with the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Caribbean Regional Office, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
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